Altering Dimension lines

[williedawg]

SW 2006

How do you go about altering dimension line(s) to avoid an obstruction ?

For instance...
The 1st jpg shows a normal dimension line (with breaks)

The 2nd is what we'd like to have....any suggestions?

Thnx

 

[williedawg]

got the order wrong....here's the 1st pic

the previous is what we'd like to do

 

[MechEng2005]

No solid help for you question, but... I have never seen a dimension shown as you would like to (lever_1x.jpg). I would say that is quite unusual, and thus not likely to be a normal operation in any drafting program. There may be a way to get it to work though. Good luck to you.

-- MechEng2005

 

[MDGroup]

I think I have a solution for you.

It works for me, hopefully I can explain it clear enough.

1) Create the real dimension. (Already in your drawing)
2) Create a note that is linked to that dimension value
Insert->Annotation->Note
Select 'Link to Property'
Select 'Component to which annotation is attached'
Select 'OK'
Click on the real dimension '24 1/16'

Now you should have the original 'real dimension' and a 'note dimension' that is linked to it and displays the same value.
If you update the model, both should update accordingly.

3) Right-Click on the 'Real Dimension' and select 'Hide'
4) Place the linked 'Note dimension' where you want it
5) Manually sketch in your dimension lines/arrows wherever you want. Constrain them to the model so they update with the model if it ever changes.

Try this and see if it works for you.

Good Luck

 

[fcsuper]

Another possibility is to simply angle your extension lines differently so that the dim line doesn't have to be joggled.

Matt Lorono
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources & SolidWorks Legion

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/solidworks & http://twitter.com/fcsuper

 

[williedawg]

MDGroup

Tried the procedure, but when the 'Link to Property' box pops up, the 'Component to which annotation is attached' is greyed out.
(SW2006)

I tried some other things and was able to make the Annotation be linked by clicking once on the Dimension in lieu of typing in anything. The value then updates whenever a model change is made, as you explained for the method you suggested.

However, I can no longer retrieve the original dimension and its extension lines/arrows. (Although in this case, maybe there's no reason to)

And, if I set some other dimension extension lines to Break while crossing the newly hand-drawn extension lines.....those Breaks end up being at what would have been the original Hidden dimension (make sense ?)

Will try a few more approaches.

Thanks, Willie